Organizer Information
The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) is Australia’s oldest and one of its most prominent public art institutions, headquartered in Melbourne. Established in 1861, NGV has built an international reputation for its ambitious exhibitions, encyclopedic collections, and commitment to public engagement. Its curatorial departments span fine art, design, fashion, and architecture, positioning the institution as a key player in shaping cultural discourse across the Asia-Pacific region. The NGV is also known for flagship initiatives such as Melbourne Design Week and its forward-looking acquisitions strategy, particularly in contemporary design and architecture—areas in which it holds the first dedicated collection of its kind in Australia.
Title & Description
Curator, Contemporary Design and Architecture
This is a full-time, fixed-term curatorial position (2 years) within NGV’s Contemporary Design and Architecture department. The role focuses on the conceptualisation, development, and delivery of exhibitions, commissions, and publications, while contributing strategically to the growth and direction of the NGV’s design and architecture collection.
The selected curator will operate at the intersection of research, exhibition-making, and institutional strategy—engaging with emerging and established practitioners in design and architecture. The position also plays a key role in shaping public-facing programs and fostering collaborations across disciplines, aligning with NGV’s mission to expand audience engagement and cultural relevance.
The Role Overview
- Salary: VPS 4.1 – AUD $100,894 per annum + 12% superannuation
- Contract Type: Full-time, fixed-term (2 years)
- Department: Curatorial
- Reports to: Senior Curator, Contemporary Design and Architecture
- Programme Involvement: Exhibitions, publications, commissions, Melbourne Design Week, collection development
- Work Structure: Cross-departmental collaboration with internal teams and external stakeholders
Position & Tasks
The Curator will be responsible for both strategic and operational curatorial functions, including:
- Identifying and recommending acquisitions aligned with NGV’s Collection Strategy
- Managing collection documentation, cataloguing, and database systems (e.g., Vernon)
- Researching, developing, and delivering exhibitions and displays
- Coordinating interdisciplinary projects across NGV departments
- Supporting publications, audience engagement programs, and interpretive content
- Building relationships with artists, designers, donors, and institutional partners
- Contributing to the planning and execution of Melbourne Design Week
- Handling administrative responsibilities such as budgets, scheduling, and reporting
- Participating in organizational initiatives and supporting team leadership where required
Categories
- Contemporary Design
- Architecture
- Curatorial Practice
- Exhibition Making
- Research & Publishing
- Cultural Management
Eligibility
- Open to national and international applicants eligible to work in Australia
- Required qualifications in architecture, design, arts management, or related fields
- Experience in curatorial practice, exhibition development, or research-based cultural work
- Strong knowledge of the creative industries and contemporary design/architecture discourse
- Experience with collections management systems is highly desirable
Program Benefits
- Competitive institutional salary with superannuation
- Opportunity to work within a leading international museum
- Direct involvement in shaping a national design and architecture collection
- Access to high-level professional networks (artists, institutions, policymakers)
- Experience in large-scale exhibition production and international collaborations
- Contribution to a globally recognised event: Melbourne Design Week
- Professional development within a major public cultural organization
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- A CV / Resume
- A Cover Letter
- A Statement addressing the Key Selection Criteria (as outlined in the role statement)
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 20 May 2026
- Contract Duration: 2 years (fixed-term)
- Start Date: To be confirmed (post-selection process)
Location
Melbourne, Australia
Additional Details
- The NGV is an Equal Opportunity Employer and promotes inclusive hiring practices
- The role may require evening and weekend work, depending on programming needs
- Employment is subject to security clearance and a 6-month probation period
- The institution adheres to strict child safety standards and risk management frameworks
- Candidates must demonstrate adaptability, teamwork, and strong communication skills across diverse audiences